Vinorelbine
About Vinorelbine
Vinorelbine is a prescription chemotherapy medication used to treat certain types of cancer, primarily non-small cell lung cancer. It works by targeting cancer cells to stop them from growing and spreading throughout the body. It is typically prescribed either on its own or in combination with other cancer medicines.
This treatment is given in scheduled cycles, meaning you will receive it at regular intervals (such as once a week) followed by a rest period. Keeping these appointments consistently is essential to ensure the treatment works as effectively as possible. Since this medicine is injected directly into a vein, food does not affect how it is absorbed, but eating light meals before your appointment and staying well-hydrated can help prevent stomach upset.
While taking this medicine, you may experience common side effects like mild nausea, temporary fatigue, or low blood cell counts. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you experience more serious issues, such as a high fever, severe shivering, sudden chest pain, or painful burning at the injection site.
Before starting, you must tell your doctor if you have a history of liver damage, lung problems, or nerve disorders. Do not take this if you have a severely weakened immune system, very low white blood cell levels, or a serious active infection.
This medicine can interact with certain other prescriptions, live vaccines, and alcohol, which may increase the risk of severe infections or worsen liver strain. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult, consult your doctor or pharmacist, as special precautions or alternative options will be required.
Uses of Vinorelbine
Medicinal Benefits
Vinorelbine is a chemotherapy medicine used to treat certain cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer. It works by interfering with the division of cancer cells, helping slow or stop their growth.
- Helps Control Cancer Growth: Interferes with cancer cell division, helping slow the growth and spread of susceptible tumours.
- Helps Manage Advanced Cancer: As an injectable medicine, it can reach cancer cells throughout the body, making it useful when cancer has spread or requires systemic treatment.
- May Relieve Cancer-Related Symptoms: By helping control tumour growth, it may reduce symptoms caused by the tumour, such as pain, coughing, or breathing difficulty, depending on the location and extent of the cancer.
- Supports Disease Control: Helps stabilise the disease and may delay further progression when used as part of an appropriate chemotherapy regimen.
- Forms Part of Combination Cancer Therapy: May be used alone or alongside other anticancer medicines, depending on the type and stage of cancer and the treatment plan prescribed by the oncologist.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Vinorelbine will be administered in a hospital setting under the supervision of a physician qualified by training and experience to administer cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Vinorelbine
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Mild nausea, vomiting, or temporary loss of appetite
- Tiredness, low energy, or general weakness
- Constipation or mild stomach discomfort
- Temporary thinning of hair
- Mild pain, redness, or irritation at the injection site
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away)
- Signs of infection, such as a high fever, chills, sore throat, or body aches
- Unusual or easy bruising, pale skin, or unexplained bleeding
- Severe burning, swelling, pain, or redness at the site of the injection
- Numbness, tingling, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in your hands or feet
- Sudden shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Watch the injection site: Tell your nurse immediately if you feel any burning, stinging, coldness, or pain at the injection site during your infusion. This could indicate the medicine is leaking out of the vein, which requires instant medical attention.
- Monitor your blood counts: Attend all scheduled appointments for blood tests, as your doctor needs to check your white blood cell levels before each dose to ensure it is safe to proceed.
- Avoid live vaccines: Do not receive live vaccines (such as yellow fever or MMR) while undergoing treatment, as your immune system is temporarily weakened and may not protect you safely.
- Use effective birth control: Both male and female patients must use highly reliable birth control during treatment and for several months afterward to prevent pregnancy, as this medicine can harm an unborn baby.
- Check the solution: If you are a healthcare professional or managing prep, always inspect the vial before use; the solution should be clear and colourless to pale yellow, and should not contain any visible particles.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking before receiving Vinorelbine, particularly the following:
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (like ketoconazole or clarithromycin): May increase the concentration of Vinorelbine in your blood, raising the risk of severe side effects like low blood cell counts.
- Strong CYP3A4 inducers (like rifampicin or phenytoin): May lower the levels of Vinorelbine in your body, reducing the effectiveness of your cancer treatment.
- Other bone marrow suppressants: Can increase the risk of severe infections and bleeding when taken together.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol affects Vinorelbine. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeDo not use Vinorelbine if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Consult the doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment with Vinorelbine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDo not take Vinorelbine if you are breastfeeding. Breastfeeding must be discontinued if treatment with Vinorelbine is necessary.
Driving
cautionIn a few people, Vinorelbine may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience these symptoms.
Liver
cautionIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Vinorelbine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before receiving Vinorelbine.
Children
unsafeVinorelbine is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water (8 to 10 glasses daily) to help your body process and clear the medication and avoid dehydration.
- Eat small, frequent meals: Consuming five or six small, light meals throughout the day instead of three large ones can help you manage nausea and maintain your energy levels.
- Manage bowel movements: Eat high-fibre foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, to prevent constipation, which is a common side effect of this class of medication.
- Protect your immune system: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid crowded places or close contact with individuals who are sick, as this medicine temporarily lowers your white blood cell count.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: This helps prevent bleeding and irritation in your gums, which can be sensitive during chemotherapy.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise regular blood tests before and during treatment with Vinorelbine to check if it is safe for you to receive the treatment.
- Inform the doctor if you are due to take any vaccinations, as many vaccines (live attenuated vaccines) are not recommended during treatment with Vinorelbine.
- Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for seven months after the end of the treatment.
- If you are a man being treated with Vinorelbine, discuss with the doctor about sperm conservation. Men are advised to use effective contraception during treatment and for four months after the end of the treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Non-small cell lung cancer: It is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the lungs. Smoking is the major risk factor for non-small cell lung cancer. Symptoms include a cough that does not go away and shortness of breath.
Breast cancer: It is a type of cancer that develops in the breast when the cells grow abnormally. Breast cancer may form in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast or tissue thickening which feels different than the normal surrounding tissues, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, unexplained change in shape, size or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin, and a lump or swelling under the arm.
FAQs
Vinorelbine is used to treat Non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer.
Vinorelbine works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells in the body.
Use effective contraception and avoid fathering a child during treatment with Vinorelbine and four months after the end of the treatment. Discuss with the doctor about sperm conservation prior to treatment with Vinorelbine, as it may alter your fertility.
Vinorelbine may cause a severe decrease in white blood cells in the bone marrow. This might increase the risk of developing serious infections. Your doctor may advise regular tests to check the number of white blood cells in your body. Consult the doctor immediately if you experience fever, cough, congestion, sore throat or other signs of infection.
Vinorelbine may cause constipation. Consult your doctor if you experience constipation; the doctor may advise about changing your diet or using medicines to prevent/treat constipation.
Vinorelbine is a vesicant. It can cause injection site reactions and extravasation hazards. These can be reduced by shortening the infusion time and flushing with IV fluid.
Yes, Vinorelbine is effective in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer. However, its effectiveness may vary from person to person.
Generally, Vinorelbine is administered intravenously by a doctor with experience in using chemotherapy medications. Do not self-administer.
Vinorelbine may cause hair loss. If you experience hair loss while on treatment with Vinorelbine consult your doctor.
The common side effects of Vinorelbine may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, injection site reactions, bleeding gums, constipation, cough, and stomach pain or tenderness. Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if any side effects persist or worsen.
You can usually receive a standard, inactive flu shot, but you must avoid live vaccines during your treatment because your immune system is weakened. Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines.
Tell the nurse administering the injection immediately if you feel any burning, stinging, or pain, as this could mean the medicine is leaking from the vein. Talk to your doctor if pain continues after your appointment.
Many people can drive, but if you experience side effects like dizziness, severe fatigue, or numbness in your hands and feet, you should avoid driving. Talk to your doctor to see what is safe for you.
It is best to avoid or limit alcohol during your treatment, as alcohol can worsen side effects like nausea and put extra strain on your liver. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice.
A cycle usually lasts 3 to 4 weeks, with the medicine given once a week followed by a rest period, but your exact schedule depends on your body's response. Talk to your doctor about your treatment plan.
Author Details
